Minutes
General Committee
April 28, 2014
Meeting
Number 11
Finance & Administrative Issues Community Services Issues
Chair: Mayor
Frank Scarpitti Chair: Councillor Alex Chiu
Vice Chair: Councillor Carolina Moretti Vice
Chair: Councillor Howard Shore
Environment
& Sustainability Issues Building,
Parks, & Construction Issues
Chair: Councillor
Valerie Burke Chair: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Vice Chair: Regional Councillor Joe Li Vice
Chair: Councillor Colin Campbell
Alternate formats are available
upon request.
Attendance
Mayor Frank
Scarpitti
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Deputy Mayor Jack Heath Regional Councillor Jim Jones Regional Councillor Gord Landon Regional Councillor Joe Li Councillor Valerie Burke Councillor Howard Shore Councillor Don Hamilton Councillor Carolina Moretti Councillor Colin Campbell Councillor Alan Ho Councillor Logan Kanapathi Councillor Alex Chiu |
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The General Committee meeting convened at the hour of 9:04 AM with Councillor
Carolina Moretti in the Chair and Councillor Alex Chiu, Chaired Community
Services related items.
General Committee recessed at 12:16 PM and reconvened at 1:06 PM.
Disclosure of
Interest
None disclosed.
Joel
Lustig, Treasurer, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the 2013
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Kevin
Travers, Partner, KPMG LLP delivered a PowerPoint presentation with respect to
the audit findings report for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Special
Recognition was given to the following finance staff that coordinate the annual
financial statements: Kishor Soneji, Stella Attai, Annie Hung, Raymond Law and
Hilton Lee.
Moved
by Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor Colin Campbell
1) That the presentation provided by Joel
Lustig, Treasurer, entitled “2013 Consolidated Financial Statements” be
received; and,
2) That the presentation provided by Kevin
Travers, Partner, KPMG LLP regarding the 2013 Consolidated Financial Statements
be received.
Carried
Staff Memorandum
Metrolinx Presentation
Trinela
Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services addressed Committee and provided some opening
remarks with respect to the electronic billboards proposal for the 407 Express
Toll Route Highway.
Blair
Murdoch, Allvision Canada delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding
Metrolinx Digital Signage Network.
The
Committee discussed the following relative to the Metrolinx digital signage
network proposal:
·
Why
only on the rail corridor
·
Is
there anything in the agreement that prevents the 407 Express Toll Route (ETR)
from doing the same type of billboards
·
Does
the City of Markham have any control over whether the 407 ETR such as cutting
trees, adding lanes or installation of billboards
·
How
do we guarantee that the information on the proposed digital signage will be
information related to Markham residents (eg. Markham Community Event dates)
·
Potential
of using solar power in future
·
Need
a revenue formula
·
The
revenue should be put towards the future 407 Transitway with signs at all stops
along the transitway
·
What
would be the in-kind value for the City
·
What
type of advertising will be displayed and what restrictions will there be (it
was noted that the advertising would have to meet the criteria set out in the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards)
·
Safety
concerns
·
Size
of the proposed signs
There
was discussion regarding the "boundary line" at Yonge Street and 407
Express Toll Route and the Committee suggested that staff confirm whether the
land is under the Town of Richmond Hill or City of Markham.
The
Committee suggested that staff prepare a report responding to the questions and
concerns raised relative to the Metrolinx digital signage network proposal.
Moved
by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded
by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
1) That the staff memorandum from Trinela
Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services, regarding the presentations provided
by Metrolinx and RCC Media be received; and,
2) That the presentation provided by Blair
Murdoch, Allvision Canada on behalf of Metrolinx regarding electronic
billboards on the 407 Express Toll Route Highway be received; and further,
3) That
staff be directed to prepare a report regarding the Metrolinx digital signage
network proposal.
Carried
Tony Romanelli, RCC
Media delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining their proposal to convert
all existing 10x20 static billboards to digital/non-video billboards. It was noted that with the digital billboards
RCC is proposing that the City would be provided 10
seconds of each 60 seconds of messaging on the boards for community and
emergency management information. The community/emergency messaging will
be managed remotely by the City.
The
Committee discussed the following with respect to the proposal to convert all
existing 10x20 static billboards to digital/non-video billboards:
·
How
will these billboards fit in with the improved streetscape plan along the Yonge
Street Corridor
·
What
is the revenue received by the City for these billboards (it was confirmed that
the City currently receives a fixed annual permit fee of approximately $300)
·
Will
the proposal include signage on railway bridges?
Moved
by Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor Don Hamilton
1) That the presentation provided by Tony
Romanelli, RCC Media regarding electronic billboards on the Canadian National
Railway right of way be received; and,
2) That
staff be directed to prepare a report regarding the RCC Media proposal to
convert all existing 10x20 static billboards to digital/non-video billboards.
Carried
Paul Ingham, Director
of Operations delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update with
respect to the Ice Storm Response and Recovery Plan. It was noted that the
watercourses were discussed with and approved by the Toronto Region
Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) prior to
commencement of the data collection.
The Committee
discussed and suggested the following relative to the Ice Storm Response and
Recovery Plan:
·
Importance
of an effective communication plan for the public highlighting the City's next
steps and anticipated timelines
·
Operations
staff work with Corporate Communications staff to develop an "update
letter/pamphlet" that the Members of Councillor can use
·
Stumping
must be completed first - then tree planting
·
Can
residents take the initiative and plant their own replacement boulevard tree?
(it was noted that there are too many risks involved with this)
·
Size of trees
being replanted on the municipal right-of-way
·
The trees
that have fallen into watercourses and how they are being dealt with
·
Streets
that have been completely devastated is it possible to find a way of replanting
sooner than the Spring of 2015
·
Ontario
Ice Storm Assistance Program
·
Holding a
Public Information Meeting
·
Is the
City keeping track of private trees that have had to be removed as a result of
the Ice Storm?
·
Debris
along Steeles Avenue (it was noted that falls under the responsibility of the City
of Toronto)
Moved by Deputy Mayor
Jack Heath
Seconded by Councillor
Logan Kanapathi
1) That
the presentation provided by Paul Ingham, Director of Operations, entitled “Ice
Storm Response and Recovery Plan Update” be received; and,
2) That staff be authorized to schedule a
Public Information Meeting prior to the end of Spring 2014.
Note: At
the May 5, 2014 General Committee meeting recommendation # 2 above was amended.
Carried
Mohammed Hosseini-Ara,
Director of Culture delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update
regarding the Varley Art Gallery Strategic Plan.
Moved by Councillor
Don Hamilton
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That
the presentation provided by Mohammed Hosseini-Ara, Director of Culture,
entitled “Varley Art Gallery Strategic Plan Update” be received.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That
the minutes of the April 7, 2014 General Committee meeting be confirmed.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That the minutes of the April 14, 2014
Special General Committee meeting be confirmed.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That
the minutes of the December 10, 2013 and January 14, 2014 Seniors Advisory
Committee meetings be received for information purposes.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That
the minutes of the March 19, 2014 Animal Care Committee meeting be received for
information purposes.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That
the minutes of the March 20, 2014 Public Realm Advisory Committee meeting be
received for information purposes.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That
the minutes of the March 13, 2014 Information, Communications and Technology
Sub-Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That
the minutes of the March 3, 2014 Race Relations Committee meeting be received
for information purposes.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That
the minutes of the April 8, 2014 Greenprint Steering Committee meeting be
received for information purposes.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That
the minutes of the March 20, 2014 Markham Environmental Advisory Committee meeting
be received for information purposes.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That the minutes of the January 16 and March 20, 2014 Markham Village Business Improvement Area meetings be received for information purposes.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That
the report dated April 28, 2014 entitled “2014 First Quarter Investment
Performance review” be received.
Carried
The
Committee briefly discussed the following staff awarded contracts:
·
052-T-14
Flood Plain Debris Removal (Ice Storm Related)
·
217-T-13
Consultant to Audit Playground Equipment
Moved by
Regional Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by
Councillor Valerie Burke
1) That
the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of March 2014” be
received; and,
2) That
staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to
this resolution.
Carried
There was
brief discussion regarding property address: 8651 Ninth Line.
Moved by
Regional Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by
Councillor Valerie Burke
1) That the Report for
the Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Taxes under Sections 357 and 358 of the Municipal Act,
2001 be received; and,
2) That taxes totalling
approximately $205,247.90 be adjusted under Section 357 (in the amount of
$111,192.31) and Section 358 (in the amount of $94,055.59) of the Municipal
Act, 2001 of which the City’s portion is estimated to be $33,729.17; and,
3) That the associated
interest be cancelled in proportion to the tax adjustments; and,
4) That the Treasurer
be directed to adjust the Collector’s Roll accordingly; and further,
5) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That
the report entitled “Award of Contract 030-T-14 Hydrant Replacement at Various Locations” be received; and,
2) That
the Contract for Hydrant Replacement at Various Locations be awarded to the
lowest priced bidder, VM Dimonte Construction Ltd., in the total amount of
$547,941.98 inclusive of HST; and,
3) That a contingency in the amount of $54,794.20
(10%), inclusive of HST, be established to cover any additional construction costs,
and that authorization to
approve expenditures of this contingency amount up to the specified limit be in
accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and,
4) That
the award be funded from the Waterworks project for
Water System Upgrade Program (account 053 6150 14322 005) in the amount of $602,736.18,
inclusive of HST; and,
5) That
the balance remaining in the amount of $68,879.82 in the
Waterworks project for Water System Upgrade Program (account 053 6150 14322
005) after contract award be returned to original
funding source; and further,
6) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That the report entitled “Waste Management Fee Increase” be received; and,
2) That By-law 2002-276, a By-law to impose fees and charges for services or activities provided or done by the City of Markham, be amended to reflect increased Waste Management fees for new developments; and,
3) That the increases in the Waste Management fees as outlined on Table 1 be effective June 1, 2014; and,
4) That notice to the public be provided in accordance with By-law 2002-275, a By-law to prescribe the form, manner and times for the provision of reasonable notice; and further,
5) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Carried
Moved by
Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor Colin Campbell
1) That the report entitled “2013 Consolidated Financial Statements” be received; and,
2) That
Council approve the Consolidated Financial Statements of The Corporation of the
City of Markham (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”), which include the City of Markham Public Library
(the “Library”), Business Improvement Areas (“BIAs”) , and Investment in Markham
Enterprises Corporation, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013; and,
3) That
Council authorize Staff to issue the final audited Consolidated Financial
Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 upon
receiving the Independent Auditor’s Report; and,
4) That the KPMG LLP
Audit Finding Report for the year ended December 31, 2013 be received; and,
5) That the 2013 favourable variance of $36,920 for the Flato Markham Theatre not be transferred to the Theatre Endowment Reserve Fund; and further,
6) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Carried
Trinela
Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services addressed the Committee to provide a
brief introduction regarding Digital Markham
Nasir Kenea, Chief Information Officer delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding Digital
Markham.
Councillor Howard Shore provided some supportive comments as Chair
of the Information, Communication & Technology Subcommittee with respect
Digital Markham. The Committee thanked
Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Nasir Kenea, Chief
Information Officer for bringing this forward.
Moved by
Councillor Howard Shore
Seconded by
Regional Councillor Joe Li
1) That the report entitled “Digital Markham” be received; and,
2) That the contract for developing
Digital Markham
strategy be awarded to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
(PwC), in the amount of $211,700 (inclusive of HST); and,
3) That this engagement be funded from
capital project #13829 (Technology Strategy Review) in the amount of $75,000
and the remaining balance of $136,700 be from the Capital Contingency project
#6395; and,
4) That
the report on Digital Markham be presented to April 30th Council
meeting; and further,
5) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Carried
Moved by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by
Councillor Valerie Burke
1) That
the report entitled “Markham Fire and Emergency Services 2013 Annual Service
Report” be received; and,
2) That
Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to
this resolution.
Carried
Moved by Councillor
Colin Campbell
Seconded by Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
1) That the report entitled Strategic Planning for Varley Art Gallery be received; and,
2) That the Strategic Imperatives and Strategic Initiatives developed through the strategic planning process be endorsed, and further,
3) That Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
Deputy Mayor Jack
Heath advised that he would like to discuss the York University Proposal.
Moved by Councillor
Colin Campbell
Seconded by Councillor
Carolina Moretti
That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into an
in-camera session to discuss the following confidential matter (2:03 PM):
(1) A PROPOSED OR PENDING ACQUISITION OR
DISPOSITION OF LAND BY THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD AND ADVICE THAT IS
SUBJECT TO SOLICITOR-CLIENT PRIVILEGE, INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS NECESSARY FOR
THAT PURPOSE (YORK UNIVERSITY PROPOSAL) (8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (c) (f)]
Carried
Moved by Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
That the General Committee rise from the in-camera session 2:47 PM.
Carried
Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Alan Ho
Seconded by Regional Councillor
Joe Li
That the General Committee meeting adjourn at 2:48 PM.
Carried